8.02: Analyzing 'The Taming of the Shrew'
Element of the Plot
Act, Scene and Lines
Explanation/ Analysis
Example
Exposition
Act 1, Scene 1
BAPTISTA: “Gentlemen, importune me no farther,
For how I firmly am resolved you know;
That is, not bestow my youngest daughter
Before I have a husband for the elder:
If either of you both love Katharina,
Because I know you well and love you well,
Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.”
In these lines, we are introduced to Baptista, a father who wants to find a husband for his oldest daughter, Katharina. The conflict of the play is also introduced as Baptista has decided that his youngest daughter cannot marry until Katharina does. These lines provide readers with some background information on Baptista and his daughters, as well as their familial relationship. They also reveal that while Baptista loves both of his daughter’s, he is at a loss for how to manage his oldest daughter, Katharina.
Exposition
Act 1, Scene 1
Lucentio: “Tranio, since for the great desire I had
To see fair Padua, nursery of arts,
I am arrived for fruitful Lombardy,
The pleasant garden of great Italy;”
In these lines, we get the first glimpse of where the setting is. The readers get a chance to see the descriptive environment of Italy with the “pleasant garden”. We are also introduced to Lucentio and Tranio in this part of the play where they are visiting this part of Italy because they had that desire to go there.
Rising Action
Act 2, Scene 1
KATHARINA: “Of all thy suitors, here I charge thee, tell Whom thou lovest best: see thou dissemble not.”
BIANCA: “Believe me, sister, of all the men alive I never yet beheld that special face
Which I could fancy more than any other.”
KATHARINA: “Minion, thou liest. Is't not Hortensio?”
BIANCA: “If you affect him, sister, here I swear I'll plead for you myself, but you shall have Him.”
KATHARINA: “O then, belike, you fancy riches more:You will have Gremio to keep you fair.”
BIANCA: “Is it for him you do envy me
Act, Scene and Lines
Explanation/ Analysis
Example
Exposition
Act 1, Scene 1
BAPTISTA: “Gentlemen, importune me no farther,
For how I firmly am resolved you know;
That is, not bestow my youngest daughter
Before I have a husband for the elder:
If either of you both love Katharina,
Because I know you well and love you well,
Leave shall you have to court her at your pleasure.”
In these lines, we are introduced to Baptista, a father who wants to find a husband for his oldest daughter, Katharina. The conflict of the play is also introduced as Baptista has decided that his youngest daughter cannot marry until Katharina does. These lines provide readers with some background information on Baptista and his daughters, as well as their familial relationship. They also reveal that while Baptista loves both of his daughter’s, he is at a loss for how to manage his oldest daughter, Katharina.
Exposition
Act 1, Scene 1
Lucentio: “Tranio, since for the great desire I had
To see fair Padua, nursery of arts,
I am arrived for fruitful Lombardy,
The pleasant garden of great Italy;”
In these lines, we get the first glimpse of where the setting is. The readers get a chance to see the descriptive environment of Italy with the “pleasant garden”. We are also introduced to Lucentio and Tranio in this part of the play where they are visiting this part of Italy because they had that desire to go there.
Rising Action
Act 2, Scene 1
KATHARINA: “Of all thy suitors, here I charge thee, tell Whom thou lovest best: see thou dissemble not.”
BIANCA: “Believe me, sister, of all the men alive I never yet beheld that special face
Which I could fancy more than any other.”
KATHARINA: “Minion, thou liest. Is't not Hortensio?”
BIANCA: “If you affect him, sister, here I swear I'll plead for you myself, but you shall have Him.”
KATHARINA: “O then, belike, you fancy riches more:You will have Gremio to keep you fair.”
BIANCA: “Is it for him you do envy me